Colorectal Cancer: Stopping it Before it Starts

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More Minnesotans die of colon and rectum cancer than either breast or prostate cancer.¹ Regular cancer screenings can catch it early. Early detection can be the key to preventing colorectal cancer and saving your life.

What is Colorectal Cancer?²

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum. These are parts of the body’s digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal system or GI.  

If left undetected, a polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum may turn into cancer. A polyp is a non-cancerous growth of tissue or tumor, usually on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. If cancer forms within that polyp, it may begin to grow into the walls of the colon or rectum. From there it can spread to other parts of the body via the blood vessels or lymph vessels.

Cancer Screenings are Important

In Minnesota, 1 in 3 people age 50 and older have not received the recommended colon tests.³ For most people, colorectal cancers develop slowly over a number of years. Getting the right cancer screenings can catch cancer early, leading to more successful treatment. Remember, most colorectal cancer starts as a polyp. The early detection and removal of a polyp can be the key to preventing colorectal cancer.

Talk to Your Doctor

   •  Make sure you are getting the right screening for your age and medical history.
   •  Tell your doctor about any family history of colorectal cancer as this can increase your risk.
   •  Ask about the potential positives and negatives of each test.
   •  Ask how often the test should be done.
   •  Find out if there are other ways you can reduce your risk of getting colorectal cancer.

Additional Resources

American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society: Overview – Colon and Rectum Cancer

National Cancer Institute
National Cancer Institute: Colorectal Cancer Screening